Original plates or repros?

[desertf150]

Hello. I am relatively new to CW collecting and am still learning a LOT about various items. Im looking to possibly purchase both these plates for $300. The seller claims they are original, but they almost look to be in TOO good of condition. If they are authentic, do you feel $300 is a good price for both? I would appreciate the opinions of the experts on here. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[RedRover]

I can't speak on the plates in the photograph, but there are several reference books available on the subject.

Reference books: Civil War collector

You can see the going rate for originals on well known and generally trusted vendors' websites.

 

[Package4]

Hello. I am relatively new to CW collecting and am still learning a LOT about various items. Im looking to possibly purchase both these plates for $300. The seller claims they are original, but they almost look to be in TOO good of condition. If they are authentic, do you feel $300 is a good price for both? I would appreciate the opinions of the experts on here. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thank you

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Here is what I recommend to those just starting out, buy from an established militaria dealer, who offers a return period. You may pay a little more, but you are fairly certain you are getting an original. There is no substitute for having reference materials and they should actually be your first purchase(s). Go to shows where you can handle originals and get to know established honest dealers and patronize them. Just my two cents......

 

[Salterr]

I can't speak on the plates in the photograph, but there are several reference books available on the subject.

Reference books: Civil War collector

You can see the going rate for originals on well known and generally trusted vendors' websites.

That's an excellent list of books. Each one has so much information. You can't go wrong.

 

[2ndDEboy]

Hello. I am relatively new to CW collecting and am still learning a LOT about various items. Im looking to possibly purchase both these plates for $300. The seller claims they are original, but they almost look to be in TOO good of condition. If they are authentic, do you feel $300 is a good price for both? I would appreciate the opinions of the experts on here. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thank you

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[2ndDEboy]

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Here is one that is exact match certified by the Gettysburg history museum

 

[2ndDEboy]

Hello. I am relatively new to CW collecting and am still learning a LOT about various items. Im looking to possibly purchase both these plates for $300. The seller claims they are original, but they almost look to be in TOO good of condition. If they are authentic, do you feel $300 is a good price for both? I would appreciate the opinions of the experts on here. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thank you

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Another exact match on the eagle from the horse soldier Gettysburg pa

 

[desertf150]

Another exact match on the eagle from the horse soldier Gettysburg pa

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Thank you for taking the time to send these, much appreciated.

 

[2ndDEboy]

Hello. I am relatively new to CW collecting and am still learning a LOT about various items. Im looking to possibly purchase both these plates for $300. The seller claims they are original, but they almost look to be in TOO good of condition. If they are authentic, do you feel $300 is a good price for both? I would appreciate the opinions of the experts on here. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thank you

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[Salterr]

Hello. I am relatively new to CW collecting and am still learning a LOT about various items. Im looking to possibly purchase both these plates for $300. The seller claims they are original, but they almost look to be in TOO good of condition. If they are authentic, do you feel $300 is a good price for both? I would appreciate the opinions of the experts on here. Any input you have would be appreciated. Thank you

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I'll offer a quick run down on plates. First you'll want to buy reference books but to start the seller mentions they are surplus pieces. The way they look is not suspect knowing that they were not issued or dug. You can still find unissued plates wrapped in their original paper and they are still shiny! The important things to check are of course a long list but look at the size, shape, design, color, fasteners and fill. Different makers have slightly different shapes in the plate or their lettering. Some US are fat lettered and some have skinny letters. Some SNY plates share these traits too. The fasteners on the back will be what collectors call puppy paw or arrowhead for most belt plates. Think of a dog begging and picture his paws hanging. The arrowheads are of course shaped like arrows but they should not be sharp in their edges. Look for soft beveled edges or a slight upward curve to them. Some early plates have the wire hooks like the NCO plate. Remember that breast plate design is from 1826. The loops should be iron and not something like stainless steel, the distance between loops varies but they should be short and fairly rounded on box plates. The lead fill should not exceed the edge of the plate and in many cases be concave. Some have the makers mark stamped into the back but many do not.

 

[desertf150]

Thank you for taking the time to provide me with this info. I've learned something new. A lot to consider and think about.

 

[2ndDEboy]

I'll offer a quick run down on plates. First you'll want to buy reference books but to start the seller mentions they are surplus pieces. The way they look is not suspect knowing that they were not issued or dug. You can still find unissued plates wrapped in their original paper and they are still shiny! The important things to check are of course a long list but look at the size, shape, design, color, fasteners and fill. Different makers have slightly different shapes in the plate or their lettering. Some US are fat lettered and some have skinny letters. Some SNY plates share these traits too. The fasteners on the back will be what collectors call puppy paw or arrowhead for most belt plates. Think of a dog begging and picture his paws hanging. The arrowheads are of course shaped like arrows but they should not be sharp in their edges. Look for soft beveled edges or a slight upward curve to them. Some early plates have the wire hooks like the NCO plate. Remember that breast plate design is from 1826. The loops should be iron and not something like stainless steel, the distance between loops varies but they should be short and fairly rounded on box plates. The lead fill should not exceed the edge of the plate and in many cases be concave. Some have the makers mark stamped into the back but many do not.